Q Cells has announced recently that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Samsung Electronics to strengthen both companies’ strategic cooperation and create synergy in the global residential energy market.
On July 2, 2021, at Q Cells’ global headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Hee Cheul (Charles) Kim, CEO of Q Cells, and JaeSeung Lee, President and Head of Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics, signed the agreement, which aims to support the growth of zero-energy homes by connecting the devices and software platforms of both companies to provide comprehensive energy services. These services include energy generation, energy storage, power consumption, and intelligent energy management.
What does zero-energy home actually mean?
A ‘Zero-energy home’ is a residential building that efficiently uses energy directly produced in the home to enable homeowners to achieve energy independence and reduce their carbon emissions. It is comprised of ‘active technology’ - producing energy through renewables like solar - and ‘passive technology’ using devices that minimize energy losses.
Q Cells’ role in the business partnership is to provide solar modules and energy storage systems (ESS) to customers, as well as Q Cells’ self-developed home energy management system, Q.onnect. This combination of hardware and software allows homeowners to collect and manage all data on energy generation, storage, and total usage in real time. In addition, Q.onnect will provide the optimal ESS operation service based on the expected charging amount data according to the local weather forecast.
What part will Samsung Electronics play?
This data, when linked to Samsung Electronics’ SmartThings platform, will give homeowners more control to optimize home energy use. SmartThings is Samsung’s open smart home platform that can link to Samsung and non-Samsung devices, empowering users to manage their home appliances from one central hub. Together with Q Cells technology, the SmartThings Energy service will give homeowners a clearer view of how energy is consumed by heat pumps and appliances, letting them set up a more sustainable energy management plan.
What other plans do the two companies have?
In addition, the two companies plan to develop business cooperation such as joint sales mainly in the US and Europe, where the residential energy market has matured, as well as domestic and overseas demonstration projects.
Q Cells’ Mr. Kim said: “Through close cooperation between two Korean companies, we expect to provide our global customers with competitive energy solutions. We hope that the synergy with Samsung Electronics will strengthen our leading position in the global residential energy market.”
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Samsung Electronics’ Mr. Lee added: “Through active cooperation with Q Cells, Samsung looks forward to expanding our presence and strengthening our brand in global markets. We anticipate great synergy between Samsung Electronics’ smart home appliances and SmartThings platform, and Q Cells’ solar energy and storage solutions.” (mfo)
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